RF Remote Control | Cypress

RF Remote Control

Block Diagram

Cypress provides a portfolio of low cost, low power & high performance solutions for RF remote controllers. The solutions also provide simultaneous support for legacy IR operations. The following block diagrams illustrate a typical remote control device based on WirelessUSB™-NL, Cypress’ 3rd generation 2.4 GHz radio. Please click on the MCU block to view or sample recommended MCUs.

Figure 1: Remote ControlFigure 2: Dongle/Module

Design Considerations

The advent of smart TVs is driving the demand of new features on remote controls such as non-line-of-sight (NLOS) operations, greater range, faster button response, bi-directional data support, operation at high angle (>45%), etc. Currently, the predominant technology for TV remote controls is Infrared (IR). But low range, low data rate & line of sight constraints make IR unsuitable for meeting these new features. Support of these features necessitates the use of RF in remote control designs.

An enCoRe & WirelessUSB solution can support both IR & RF technologies simultaneously. It features low power (can support >100,000 button presses with single coin cell battery), reduced BOM, battery management support & operation at angles up to 60 degrees. The solution is complemented by drivers & firmware that has support for both IR & RF transmission.

Application Notes

When product designers use reference designs as a basis for their own projects, they typically modify or enhance the original designs. Unfortunately, these modifications can cause a considerable decline in performance.

AN6066 discusses the general considerations for deciding on a binding methodology of devices in robust wireless systems, and also gives examples of common binding schemes, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It is intended for system architects, particularly those who are relatively new to wireless designs.

Wireless products are now found in abundance, all around us today, and their usage continues to rapidly expand. This application note introduces the Cypress CYRF8935 device and a sample PCB design. The appendix section guides you on antenna selection process.

AN72428 discusses the hardware considerations and recommended practices for systems that use WirelessUSB™ NL, the Cypress third generation 2.4-GHz low-power RF technology. WirelessUSB NL operates in the 2.4-GHz ISM band and delivers the next level of low-power performance on a small 4-mm × 4-mm footprint.

RF Companion Microcontrollers
Cypress offers a line of low-power, 8-bit microcontrollers that are ideal for wireless applications. The devices feature the industry's smallest 8-bit RISC core with flash memory, low power and a variety of internal peripheral functions.

PSoC Designer is the revolutionary Integrated Design Environment (IDE) that you can use to customize PSoC to meet your specific application requirements. PSoC Designer software accelerates system bring-up and time-to-market.